[Vin]

I recall someone asking about “Cobber” Kain in a thread some months back. I received for Christmas, “Fighter Squadrons” by Noel Monks, published by Angus and Robertson in 1941. Monks was an Australian-born journalist for the Daily Mail. From memory, he later reported widely on 452 RAAF. The book is an account of of squadrons 1 and 73 RAF in France in 1939. Released in 1941 and heavily influenced by propaganda requirements, it is interesting because it is written contemporaneously but is difficult to read because of the obvious bias and embarrassing, if understandable, jingoism. The book is recorded as dedicated to Cobber Kain. I does give detail of him so if the enquirer of some months back wishes more information, please let me know (I’m away until New Year so would not respond until then).

Of interest in the Von Richthofen debate is the following from page 11 of the book.

“In coolness and skill any one of those boys would have made Richtohfen, Red Knight of Germany, look like a clay idol. He would have made a poor show in this war, not being able to sit up in the clouds, as he did in the past, and pick off lame ducks as they staggered out of a dogfight. Things happen too quickly for that sort of warfare to-day”

Make of that what you will.


Vin